Chapter 2: Hard Choice

Danika went silent for a while.

The ticking of the wall clock suddenly felt louder, filling the space between her and Cat.

“No,” she finally said, her face straight, her tone firm but tired. “I know I need the job, but not this far, Cat. What do you want me to do, hmm?”

Cat leaned forward, her brows furrowing.

“Babe, this is a great opportunity for you. You get to leave this…” she paused, searching for the right word, “…loooonnnely life.”

Silence.

Danika’s chest tightened, So she thinks I’m lonely now?

She didn’t say it, but her face did. Cat saw it immediately.

“I’m sorry, D,” she said quickly. “That came out wrong. I just… I don’t like the way you didn’t move on.”

Danika looked away, blinking fast but it was too late.

“I miss my ‘I-don’t-give-a-fuck Danika.’”

That broke something.

Tears slipped down Danika’s cheeks before she could stop them.

Cat didn’t hesitate. She pulled her into a tight hug.

“You have to get a job,” Cat whispered softly. “Not just for you… for your parents too. They can’t keep doing everything forever.”

Danika held onto her like she might fall apart if she didn’t.

“I love you so much,” Cat continued, her voice gentle. “I want the best for you… and for Emily.”

Danika slowly pulled back, wiping her face. A small, fragile smile appeared.

“Thank you, Cat… but I’ll have to think about it. It’s not an easy decision.”

She swallowed. “I’ll have to leave Emily with my parents.”

Her voice dropped at the last part, her eyes dimming. Cat sighed softly, then patted her head.

“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. The company is Greenfield Group, powerful, international. They deal with luxury brands, real estate… even private security.”

She smirked slightly. “Money everywhere.” Danika raised a brow. “Sounds like the kind of place people don’t just ‘work’ in.”

Cat chuckled. “Exactly. But that’s why it’s perfect.” Danika shook her head, letting out a small laugh despite herself.

“Thank you, Cat,” she said sincerely.

“You’re welcome, blondie girl,” Cat teased, roughly messing up her hair.

Danika gasped. “I told you to stop calling me that, Catty!”

“Make me,” Cat shot back, grinning. Danika grabbed a pillow and threw it at her.

Cat dodged dramatically. “Attempted murder?! Over a nickname?!”

“You deserve it!”

“Jealous because I’m cuter?”

“In your dreams!” They both burst into laughter, the heavy mood finally breaking. “Shhh,” Danika said, still smiling. “Keep your voice down. You’ll wake Emily.”

She yawned, stretching slightly. “I need to sleep. I have to wake up early to make breakfast.”

Cat nodded. “Your room is still intact. I cleaned it last week.” Danika paused for a second, touched. “Thank you.”

She stood up. “Good night, Cat.”

“Good night, Danika . ”Danika quietly walked into her room. The door clicked shut behind her, and just like that… The silence returned.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring into nothing. Her thoughts were louder than any noise.

After a moment, she stood and walked toward the mirror. She stopped in front of it.

And stared.

For a long time.

Once upon a time, Danika knew exactly who she was. She was that girl.

Confident. Untouchable. Wild in a way that made people curious and intimidated at the same time.

Her body had been a masterpiece full curves in all the right places, soft yet firm, the kind that made heads turn without effort. Her waist dipped perfectly, her hips balanced it out, her skin smooth and glowing like she carried her own light.

Her eyes? They held fire.

*Life*

Now… Danika exhaled slowly.

She wasn’t ugly. Not even close, but life had… touched her.

Her cheeks had lost a bit of their softness. The glow on her skin had dimmed slightly, replaced by stress and sleepless nights. Her curves were still there but not as full, not as proud as before.

Her body told a different story now.

A story of sacrifice. Of pain. Of motherhood. Of survival.

She lifted her hand and touched her face gently, like she was trying to recognize the woman staring back at her. “Cat is right…” she whispered.

The softness faded just a little. “I can’t keep living like this.”

Her voice was quiet, but firm. “I need to move on for myself… and for my child.” Danika took a deep breath.

She made a decision.

.....…........

Golden sunlight slipped through the thin curtains, stretching lazily across the room like it had all the time in the world. The air felt fresh, calm… almost like a quiet promise of something new.

Danika stirred.

She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a soft yawn as her body slowly woke up. For a moment, she just lay there, staring at the ceiling.

Then reality returned. With a small sigh, she pushed the covers off and got out of bed.

Her morning routine was automatic.

She walked into the bathroom, brushing her teeth while staring blankly at her reflection still caught between who she used to be and who she was becoming.

After that, she moved straight to Emily’s room.

“Baby…” she called softly, gently shaking her. “Wake up, sweetheart. It’s morning.”

Emily groaned, turning to the other side. “Nooo… mummy… no wake… I sweepy…”

Danika smiled faintly. “You said that yesterday.”

“But… I still sweepy…” Emily mumbled sleepily.

Danika chuckled, pulling the blanket away. “Up. School won’t wait for you. With a little grumbling, Emily finally sat up, rubbing her eyes.

The house slowly came to life.

Danika moved quickly in the kitchen, preparing breakfast with practiced ease eggs sizzling lightly in the pan, bread toasting, the soft clatter of plates filling the quiet space.

Emily shuffled in, now dressed, dragging her feet. “Mummy… I still sweepy…”

“I know,” Danika said gently, placing food in front of her. “Eat first.” They sat together, a quiet, simple moment that meant more than words.

After breakfast, Danika helped Emily fix her hair, smoothing it carefully. “There,” she smiled. “My beautiful girl.”

Emily grinned. “I look you, mummy?” Danika paused for a second… then smiled wider.

A few minutes later, they stood outside.

The morning sun was brighter now, warming their skin as they waited. Soon, the school bus pulled up right in front of the house like it always did.

Emily turned to her. “Bye bye, mummy…” Danika bent down, kissing her forehead. “Be a good girl, okay?”

“I be good… I pwomise…” Danika laughed softly. “Go on.” Emily waved as she climbed into the bus.

Danika stood there, watching until it drove off.

Only when it disappeared did she turn back inside.

She walked into the kitchen

and stopped.

Cat was already there.

Stuffing her face with the leftover food like she hadn’t eaten in days. “And good morning to you too, Catherine Moore,” Danika said casually, leaning against the counter.

Cat didn’t even look ashamed. “This food is so good, damn,” she said, talking with her mouth full. “You really need to follow me to Chicago so you can cook for me every day.”

Danika raised a brow, then walked to the shelf, grabbing a tissue. She handed it to her. “Clean your mouth.”

Cat grinned, taking it. “And about that…” Danika added calmly, folding her arms.

“I’ll do it.” Silence.

“YEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!" Cat jumped off the stool and rushed her, pulling her into a tight hug.

“Finally! Took you long enough!” Danika laughed, trying to push her off. “It only took me eight hours to decide, Cat. I was supposed to think for two weeks.”

“I don’t care,” Cat said quickly. “Don’t change your mind.” She pulled back, wiping her mouth properly this time.

“When are we going???” she asked excitedly, already moving to the sink to wash the dishes.

“I’m supposed to resume work on Friday,” Cat said, checking her phone. “And your interview starts on November 26th. Today is the 14th." Danika nodded slowly.

“We don’t have much time,” she said. “I’ll need to go see my parents.”

“And we need to go shopping!” Cat added quickly. “Plus, I’ll show you around Chicago.” Danika let out a soft sigh, shaking her head slightly.

Her life was really about to change.

She leaned against the counter, her voice barely above a whisper. “Chicago… here I come.”